GODZILLA Director, Gareth Edwards, Lands STAR WARS Spin-Off Gig

by Josh "ecksmanfan" Johnson

Coming off a pretty successful redo of one of the biggest sci-fi and monster franchises in history, Gareth Edwards would likely have many offers being thrown his way. While there were some issues with Godzilla, it is a fun, throw back film that highlights why Godzilla is the king of all monsters. Certainly worth a viewing for fans of the franchise or popcorn movies in general. It looks as though Edwards is ready to move on to his next project and he’s chosen a big one.

According to Heat Vision, the director has been hired by Disney to helm one of the upcoming spin-off films for the famed Star Wars franchise. For some time now, it’s been rumored that these spin-offs (right now there are three planned) would likely focus on the bounty hunter Boba Fett, the master Jedi Yoda or the Han Solo. But the studio is keeping things under wraps, so we don’t know for sure which project Edwards will be taking on. The trade also reports that Simon Kinberg and Lawrence Kasden are rumored to be handling the script for the project. No word on the validity of that rumor at this point.

The plan, as it stands now, is to have these stand alone spin-offs release in between the planned sequels, which is starting with Episode VII, with JJ Abrams in the directors chair. Filming is under way for that movie. So, over the next six years, we’ll have a new Star Wars in theaters every year. It’s quite likely that that schedule will keep going in some fashion.

Gareth Edwards went from directing the small budget Monsters, which had some folks divided, to directing the recently released and successful Godzilla. And now, the director has landed a job in one of the most profitable franchises in film history. Talk about moving up. Be sure to check back to Comic Book Therapy for all the latest on this story. Hopefully we’ll learn soon which film he’ll be directing. It’s likely things will move quickly with the director on board. The full press release follows.

In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year’s smash hit Godzilla.

“Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited & honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm, said Edwards.

Gary Whittas screenwriting credits include 2010s The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.

Whitta states, “From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth,is literally a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself.”

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I'm an aspiring geek who has a love for movies. When I'm not writing up news stories, random lists and articles about bad guys who feel left out, I'm usually watching a movie of some sort. Or catching up on the latest must-see TV series. Or reading! I like to read!

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